Saudi Arabia Hold Uruguay to 1-1 Draw, Echoing Their 2022 World Cup Upset

Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H | June 15, 2026 | Miami

Saudi Arabia earned a 1-1 draw against Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, continuing their remarkable record of competitive performances at major tournaments. Abdulelah Al-Amri’s first-half goal gave Saudi Arabia the lead before Maxi Araújo equalised for Uruguay in a Group H contest that kept all four teams level on points after Matchday 1.

Al-Amri’s Goal Echoes Qatar 2022

Al-Amri reacted fastest to a rebound in the box to put Saudi Arabia ahead — a moment that immediately evoked Saleh Al-Shehri’s famous equaliser against Argentina at Qatar 2022. Saudi Arabia have shown over the past four years that their improvement is real and structural, not accidental. Coach Marcel Koller has built a disciplined, organised side that does not concede matches before they begin.

Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez Unable to Find the Winner

Uruguay dominated large portions of the match. Darwin Núñez was a constant threat, and Rodrigo Bentancur drove forward from midfield. But Saudi Arabia’s defensive shape held — until Araújo’s equaliser arrived in the second half to rescue Uruguay’s point.

Group H Standings: All Teams Level

Spain (1pt), Cape Verde (1pt), Saudi Arabia (1pt), Uruguay (1pt). Every team in Group H has one point from one game. It is arguably the most open group at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with any combination of results possible in the final two rounds.